New Delhi: In a first in the country, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is all planning to start a Media Research Centre.

The proposal for the media research centre is a part of the Rs.650 crore Plan which has been submitted to the Planning Commission for its approval.

B.B. Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, said, "The media plays a significant role in deciding the future of the country. But there's absolutely no opportunity here to study why the media behaves and reacts to issues the way it does".

He further added, "The review committee of the commission visited the university last week. The committee looked happy with the proposals for the 13 new schools and centres we wish to start. The media research centre is among them and it seems that it will get their nod".

Once granted approval, the university will invite noted media professionals to participate in workshops to design the syllabus of the research centre.

Among 13 new schools and centres that are likely to get approval, are the School of Nano Science, School of Small & Medium Scale Enterprises and an Intellectual Property Cell.